Southington man convicted in bar fight that injured 2 people

SOUTHINGTON – A local man was convicted Tuesday of injuring two people during a bar fight at a Southington restaurant.

Morgan Slade, 22, of Meriden Avenue, accepted a plea deal during a hearing in Bristol Superior Court that included probation and no prison time. He pleaded no contest to two counts of third-degree assault and one count of first-degree reckless endangerment.

One count of second-degree breach of peace and an additional count of first-degree reckless endangerment were not pursued.

Slade was sentenced to three years in prison, suspended, and two years of probation. During probation, he has been ordered not to contact the victims or go to the restaurant where the incident happened. He is also required to pay for any out-of-pocket expenses the victims incurred as a result of their injuries.

According to police, Slade struck a patron with a beer bottle on May 20, at about 12:56 a.m., at 75 Center, a restaurant located at 75 Center St. This caused lacerations to the victim’s forearm and hand, which required 10 stitches.

An employee of the restaurant attempted to break the fight up and was struck in the neck by the broken bottle. He suffered lacerations to his neck and the back of his head.

Police said both victims were treated at area hospitals and subsequently released.

According to police, Slade fled the scene before officers could arrive. He was later taken into custody after he received medical treatment at an area hospital for injuries he suffered during the fight.

Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@bristolpress.com.